Objectives To analyze the feasibility of structured ultrasound simulation training (SIM-UT) in teaching second-trimester ultrasound screening using a high-end simulator with a randomly moving fetus.
Methods This was a prospective, controlled trial. A trial group of 11 medical students with minimal obstetric ultrasound experience underwent 12 hours of structured SIM-UT in individual hands-on sessions within 6 weeks. Learning progress was assessed with standardized tests. Performance after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of SIM-UT was compared with two reference groups ((A) Ob/Gyn residents and consultants, and (B) highly skilled DEGUM experts). Participants were asked to acquire 23 2nd trimester planes according to ISUOG guidelines in a realistic simulation B-mode with a randomly moving fetus as quickly as possible within a 30-minute time frame. All tests were analyzed regarding the rate of appropriately obtained images and the total time to completion (TTC).
Results During the study, novices were able to improve their ultrasound skills significantly, reaching the physician level of the reference group (A) after 8 hours of training. After 12 hours of SIM-UT, the trial group performed significantly faster than the physician group (TTC: 621±189 vs. 1036±389 sec., p=0.011). Novices obtained 20 out of 23 2nd trimester standard planes without a significant time difference when compared to experts. TTC of the DEGUM reference group remained significantly faster (p<0.001) though.
Conclusion SIM-UT on a simulator with a virtual, randomly moving fetus is highly effective. Novices can obtain standard plane acquisition skills close to expert level within 12 hours of self-training.
Objectives: We conducted a study to assess the benefit of using a checklist to verify the completeness of second-trimester ultrasound screening reports. In France, the 2nd trimester screening ultrasound must meet a set of specifications including the presence of thirteen anatomical standardised ultrasound planes. The objective of this analysis was to verify whether the use of a checklist-type control tool can reduce the number of missing images. Methods: In 2020, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 200 consecutive ultrasound examinations carried out by 4 trained sonographers in our unit of Prenatal Diagnosis at the American Hospital of Paris. Each file had to include the thirteen anatomical standardised ultrasound planes. We reported the missing images of each examination. 2 sonographers had used a verification checklist during their ultrasound examinations while the 2 others had performed their examinations without a checklist. Results: 200 ultrasound images were analysed. Regarding the 2 sonographers using the verification checklist, all 13 images were present in all cases (100%). Of the 1300 mandatory planes, none were missing. For sonographers who had not used the checklist, 82 images were missing, i.e. 6,3% (p < 0,005). This study shows that the two sonographers who used a checklist had significantly fewer missing images compared to operators who did not use this checklist. The most frequently missing images are the sagittal view of the diaphragm and cervix placenta sagittal view. Concerning the sagittal view of the cervix, which makes it possible to check the position of the placenta, this image was forgotten or absent in 27 cases, i.e. 27% in the group without a checklist vs 0 % in the group with a checklist. Conclusions: The use of a checklist-type control tool during the screening examination can significantly reduce the number of missing images during ultrasound examinations.
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